Project description:
For people with Type 1 Diabetes, multiple daily finger pricks to check blood sugar levels are common practice. This project evaluates a novel non-invasive technology developed by Liom Health AG, which uses light and artificial intelligence to measure glucose levels through the skin in real time — without finger pricks.

Methodology:
In a pilot study with 21 participants, a carefully controlled sequence of blood glucose fluctuations was induced to assess the device’s accuracy. Conventional blood glucose measurements and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems were used in parallel.

Results:
The device readings showed good agreement with established methods, with most measurements falling within clinically acceptable ranges. No health risks or technical issues were observed.

Conclusion:
The study indicates that painless glucose monitoring without fingersticks or CGM could be feasible. However, further research is required to improve accuracy and reliability before market readiness.

Partner: Liom Health AG (formerly Spiden AG), University Clinic for Diabetology, Endocrinology, Nutritional Medicine & Metabolism (UDEM)
Category: Clinical pilot study
Year: 2023-2024

Innovative approaches to combination therapy in type 1 Diabetes

Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains a challenge, with ~32% of adults in Switzerland achieving an A1c target of <7%. The dual glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1RAs has emerged as promising therapy in T1D. Retrospective studies have shown people with T1D can significantly improve glycemic control with a reduction in insulin dose and body weight when long-acting GLP-1RAs or GIP/GLP-1RAs are added to insulin therapy.

This study will assess glycemic control in people with T1D on a stable dose of long-acting GIP/GLP-1RA (Tirzepatide) as an adjuvant therapy to automated insulin delivery (AID). We are conducting a prospective, parallel, open-label, randomized clinical trial to test the hypothesis that available AID systems combined with GIP/GLP-1RA will lead to safe and more efficacious glycemic control than Standard of Care (SoC) during the assessment period. The outcome of this study will provide unique data about the safety and efficacy of using GIP/GLP1-RA as adjuvant therapy to AID systems.

Sponsor: Prof. José García-Tirado, PhD – University of Berne
Principal investigator: PD Dr. med. Thomas Züger, Chief Physician – Kantonsspital Olten
PhD student: Dr. med. Maria Carolina Fragozo-Ramos
Funding: Internal funds